Review: A Summer Soundtrack for Falling in Love by Arden Powell

When Kris Golding leaves his dusty Kansas hometown for a fresh start in New York, he thinks an apartment and a job are waiting for him. But when he finds neither, rather than admit defeat, he takes his chances busking—and meets Rayne Bakshi of international rock band The Chokecherries. Rayne needs a new guitarist, and gives Kris his first break since leaving home.

Rayne wears makeup and glitter and thinks nothing of kissing Kris in front of twenty thousand screaming fans for the attention. Instantly infatuated, Kris begins to question whether he might have a crush on Rayne—could he be bisexual? But since Kris originally claimed to be straight, Rayne’s wary of getting involved offstage.

As their tour gains momentum, Kris’s sexuality becomes the least of his troubles. Between his conservative brother hell-bent on “rescuing” him from his life of debauchery, a peacock that may or may not be the avatar of a cult god, and a publicity stunt that threatens to upend the band, Kris is definitely not in Kansas anymore.

Honestly, I'm kind of mad at myself for this one. Ordinarily, I have (and abide by) a rule of no rockstars in my reads but the lure of an androgynous character tested my resolve. That coupled with visions of Adam Lambert dancing in my head and before I knew it I'd clicked the request button.

SOMEBODY GET ME SOME WATER BECAUSE...

Wait... well, that too but I meant...

I think the author did too because Rayne is IN CHARGE on stage and Kris plays lead guitar and becomes blonde with kind of that same haircut so... coincidence? Whatever. I dug it. Kris also dabbles in the androgyny once he joins the band and is even mistaken for a girl at a club. 

All of these things I liked. The beginning was going swimmingly.

Kris has lived a sheltered life in Kansas and lucks into joining The Chokecherries through a series of unfortunate events including him busking in NYC to make some money for a place to sleep. He's attracted to Rayne immediately but has never labeled or identified as bi before and I appreciated that he needed a minute to adjust. Angel was a great character too. She helps Kris reframe some things when he struggles.

But then the waters got muddied by his assertions towards the end that he's always been bi, he's just never said it aloud. Really? That wasn't the impression I labored under for over half the book. I'm a fan of angst but there wasn't much and that coupled with the above assertion derailed the whole narrative for me. If it's not a problem to be with Rayne and you've always been bi then why the push/pull for well over half the story?

It didn't help the cause that the narrative squirreled into Weirdtown at the end then threw the uppercut of a fade to black sex scene which left me wondering why was there a need to build the sexual tension to Hoover Dam levels if you're planning to flood the plain anyway? What's more, the UST never really morphed into a romance I could believe in and then... Weirdtown.

Regarding Weirdtown... in a nutshell, this story is EXACTLY what the blurb advertises. I could've saved myself the 300+ page read and just read the blurb, because that's the whole bizarre story. I would've preferred the protagonists to have an adult conversation rather than relying on this odd plot device to "bring them together" as it were. 

Lesson learned. No more rockstars for me. I would categorize this story as coming of age/self-discovery with romantic elements rather than a romance.

There were things I liked but on the whole this was a dud for me and not something I'd recommend, but my opinions are my own and YMMV.

An ARC was provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Release Blitz + Giveaway: Teacher's Pet Anthology by Various Authors

Celebrate the release of NineStar Press' Teacher's Pet Anthology with IndiGo Promotions! The QUILTBAG anthology features stories from authors: Kashmira Majumdar, S.A. James, Asta Idonea, Hudson Lin, Aila Alvina Boyd, Valentine Wheeler, Damian Serbu, Jack Harbon, and Arden Powell! Learn more today and enter in the $10 NineStar Press credit giveaway!

Title:  Teacher's Pet

Author: Kashmira Majumdar, S.A. James, Asta Idonea, Hudson Lin, Aila Alvina Boyd, Valentine Wheeler, Damian Serbu, Jack Harbon, Arden Powell

Publisher:  NineStar Press

Release Date: March 12

Heat Level: 3 - Some Sex

Pairing: Male/Male, Female/Female

Length: 88500

Genre: Contemporary, Paranormal. Sci-Fi/Fantasy, age gap, contemporary, Fantasy, paranormal, romance, teacher/student

Add to Goodreads

Synopsis

Nine Stories of Lessons Outside the Classroom

By Virtue Fall by Kashmira Majumdar – The rules have changed…and so have the consequences for breaking them.

Striking Gold by S.A. James – Sometimes when we think we have no choice, life brings something brighter.

Full Marks by Asta Idonea – When Jacob seeks out his favourite lecturer at a university reunion, will he get full marks?

Lessons for a Lifetime by Hudson Lin – A second language, a first chance at love.

Welcome to Ms Skinner’s Freshman Composition by Aila Alvina Boyd – After auditioning for a play, professor and student find themselves cast opposite each other as romantic leads.

Piece of Cake by Valentine Wheeler – All Richard wanted was a nice, quiet retirement. His kids aren’t going to let that happen.

Professor Ghost by Damian Serbu – An otherworldly mentor might be his way out.

Bare by Jack Harbon – When a passion for art turns into something more.

The Botanist’s Apprentice by Arden Powell – Don’t get too close to the flowers.

Excerpt

By Virtue Fall by Kashmira Majumdar
Jonah Shapiro is no model student, even by the lax standards of his preppy New England boarding school. His penchant for rule-breaking and leather makes him the bête noire of his teachers—except the earnest, tea-drinking, cardigan-wearing Mr. Donovan, who’s determined to not give up on Jonah. Life used to be simpler five years ago when Mr. Donovan was just Head Boy Nick and Jonah’s best friend. Easier, too, for Jonah to kiss him when it was dark and no one was watching. Now the rules of the game have changed, and so have the consequences for flouting them…

Striking Gold by S.A. James
The day Daniel met Silver shone brightly for a number of reasons. It was the last day of high school, but it was also the day he realized he could never leave home. Being the son of an alcoholic mom didn’t leave many choices for Daniel. He could only hope that life and love would treat him kindly.

Full Marks by Asta Idonea
Jacob Corby decides to attend his university reunion for one reason only: Professor Hobbs. Arthur Hobbs is surprised to see loner Jacob’s name on the attendance list, but it is enough to make him change his mind about going to the event. After all, he’s always harboured forbidden feelings for his favourite student.

Lessons for a Lifetime by Hudson Lin
When high school English teacher Patrick signs on to teach an adult ESL course on the weekends, he doesn’t know his life is about to change. Into the makeshift community center classroom walks Salim—tall, soulful, a refugee from Ethiopia with a heart for storytelling and a talent for music.

A midwinter offer to drive Salim home after class one week leads to the breakdown of the student-teacher boundary. As their relationship grows, the prospect of moving in together brings out both their insecurities about commitment and money. But working through differences makes them stronger and Patrick soon realizes that perhaps he had been the student all along.

Welcome to Ms Skinner’s Freshman Composition by Aila Alvina Boyd
After auditioning for a college production, a first year professor finds herself being cast as the romantic lead opposite her least favorite student. Just as it appears as though the production is going to be an utter failure, something clicks. From there on out, chemistry between the two of them no longer needs to be faked.

Piece of Cake by Valentine Wheeler
Richard’s daughters are worried about him, alone in his house after retirement, so they sign him up for a cooking class at the local community center. But what he ends up finding is more than just baked goods.

Professor Ghost by Damian Serbu
Antonio arrives on campus for his first day of college a little overwhelmed from the experience of moving from a rural area to the big city, not to mention that he firmly planted himself in the closet and intends to stay there. When a ghost appears before him on the first night, his terror gradually gives way to curiosity, as this hot specter promises to mentor him toward a better, and out, life at college.

Bare by Jack Harbon
Before his best friend went away for vacation, Levi Singh promised her that he would take life by the balls and live on the edge. So, when the nude model for his art class doesn’t show, Levi takes it upon himself to volunteer. To his surprise, no one seems to be staring too long at him. No one, that is, except for his professor.

When Noah Rose suggests working with him on an assignment after class, Levi suspects he might be looking for something else. Something Levi will happily give him.

The Botanist’s Apprentice by Arden Powell
Graduate student Eli Katz approaches the accomplished botanist, Robert Lord-Harding, to request access to his greenhouse of magical flora. Though Lord-Harding is reluctant to take on a new apprentice after the scandal of his last one, he is intrigued by Eli’s academic work, and agrees.

Eli is primarily interested in the violet man-eater, a carnivorous plant that preys on men by emitting a certain pheromone, luring them in close and then devouring them. Eli wants to return the man-eater to its classic status as a sexual performance enhancer, and spends his days studying the plant. But is it as safely secured in Lord-Harding’s greenhouse as they both believe, or will its pheromones wreak havoc with their new apprenticeship?

Purchase

NineStar Press | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo

Giveaway

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Review: NineStar Press 2017 Holiday Series by Various Authors - Pt. 2

Joshua just wants to be alone. Happy holidays be damned; the last place he wants to be is at a New Year’s Eve party surrounded by overly jolly friends. After a breakup with his boyfriend, Clay, he’s having a hard time watching other people be merry when all he wants is to drown himself in booze.
If it wasn’t for a promise to two dear friends, he’d have been home on his couch watching the least festive thing possible. Instead, he’s got to deal with flamboyant Desi flirting up a storm with him. Only Desi has a past too, and his own pain, as well as a bit of unsolicited advice for Joshua that could turn his bleak night into a bright future.
5 Hearts
Sometimes it's impossible to see what is in front of our noses. This short story is a reminder to not take our loved ones for granted, even if our intentions are good. 

Joshua is a hard worker, too hard really, but it isn't until Clay leaves him that he realises his priorities may be a little skewed. A celebration, a party is the last place he wants to be, but a promise is a promise and he's not a complete arsehole!

Desi seems like an unlikely ally, but he has the benefit of hindsight to share with Joshua. He may get right on Joshua's wick, but under the mask is a whole lot of pain and an unlikely unlikely source of wisdom.

This was a story that makes the reader question their priorities and reconsider their actions. Told through the hope of a new year and new start, I found this a delightful read.

Agent Azzerare and the black market criminal known as Vulpe meet once a year every holiday season to collaborate on certain secret missions. Azzerare is less than enthusiastic when Management first suggests it; Vulpe is amoral, self-serving, and criminally inclined—everything Azzerare stands against. But as the years pass and the missions continue, Azzerare sees a new side of Vulpe: someone loyal, clever, and willing to risk his life to save Azzerare’s. Azzerare must decide how he feels about his partner—and if it’s love, he has to ask himself whether he’s willing to risk his career to pursue it, because an emotionally compromised agent is a dead one in Management’s eyes.
5 Hearts

"If you're dead when I get back, I'll kill you myself."

A secret agent/sniper story may not seem the most Christmassy theme around but this is one of my favourite seasonal short stories.

I liked, no I loved, the chemistry between Azzerare and Vulpe. The dynamic between them was second to none. It sparked and was witty and I adored it.

This story was just the right amount of different. Set over a series of Christmas and New Years days, it slowly built up the extraordinary relationship between the two protags. 

This managed to be different and it really has been a favourite read of mine.

Ty Hallahan was on a mission: make it home in time for Christmas—or suffer his Irish Catholic mother’s wrath. But thanks to a series of misadventures, his simple four-hour flight has turned into a two-day ordeal. And just as he has almost reached his destination, Ty is stuck once again—and on Christmas Eve, no less.
But maybe Santa has something up his sleeve for Ty? Wandering through the airport terminal, Ty runs into the man he has secretly loved for years. Once Ty’s professor, Dr. Ernesto Goncalves—Dr. G for short—is also stuck for the holidays, and Ty determines to make the most of their time together.
4 Hearts
Sometimes Christmas wishes do come true - maybe just not in the when and where one expected!
The chance encounter in this story is as ephemeral as a snowflake but after a run of bad luck that leads to a night neither Ty or Dr G could have foretold, this story sure did make me smile. It doesn't always have to be the big all; the big everything. Sometimes it can be just for right now, for this moment in time. The connection between the two characters was strong and bright, I liked the slight awkwardness their past relationship to each other (student/teacher) dictated as they moved into newer territory. A lovely story that approached Christmas romance in a slightly different way. Recommended.

Attending his daughter’s holiday dance recital should be easy for pro hockey player Patrick Barnes. Showing up in a tutu, however, wasn’t exactly part of the plan. And yet the holidays get even more interesting when he bumps into Lee, the man he let get away years ago.
Ballet instructor Lee can’t believe who just walked into his studio. He also can’t believe how quickly the flare of attraction between he and Patrick resurfaces, despite the years that have gone by since they last spoke.
Once upon a time, they let opportunities get away. Is it possible they’ll now have the chance to pursue the spark that has come back to life after just one conversation?
Holidays are a time for giving, and neither Patrick nor Lee are about to take this particular gift for granted.
4 Hearts
A lovely tale of love refound. 

Years have passed since Patrick and Lee missed their opportunity for love. You know the story, wrong time, wrong place. The chance of love slips by, missed due to circumstance and decision. Now though the time is right, and thanks to Patrick's darling daughter a second chance is available.

This story really epitomises the 'things happen for a reason' train of thought. Left to fate, Patrick and Lee certainly gained more than they missed - even though the journey was longer.

I loved this story, I really did. The dynamics between the characters really spark it to life. Jordan was fabulous, she didn't care that her dad was bi and (as is often the case) she could set a good example for many adults out there.

A definite bonus to my Christmas reading.

Working on Christmas Eve—no fun. Working a double shift on Christmas Eve? Even less fun. But working a double shift on Christmas Eve in a hotel with two guests? For Jason Martin, it was a recipe for a long, dull holiday. But then a power outage at the local airport sends a bus filled with people to Jason’s hotel. Alone, Jason not only has to attend to his guests, he has to save Christmas for a group of weary and grouchy travelers. Happily, one of the guests, a Mr. Marino, steps in to lend Jason a hand. Mr. Marino is helpful, handsome, and running right to the top of Jason’s Christmas wish list. But Jason has sworn off hotel hook-ups. And Mr. Marino will be heading out of town the next day, Christmas day. Is it worth getting involved with someone who is only staying for one night?
5 Hearts
Room at the Inn portrays the spirit of family at Christmas time and how important it is, even when stuck far away from home. Jason is a fabulous employee who really puts his guests' needs first. Dedicated to his job he deals ably with an unexpected coachload of people descending on the hotel. 

It is Jason who is the heart of this story, who creates the spirit of family I mentioned before. It becomes a home for 24 hours, not a hotel. Mr Marino though, well there is more to him than meets the eye. Whilst at first he seemed like just another guest, albeit one who knows the system and can pitch in to help Jason, there is definitely more to him than meets the eye.

Sure, it was whimsical at times - but I liked that about it. The Hallmark feel of everyone pitching in. This was a gorgeous story with a wonderful feeling of Christmas giving and loving about it. Totally recommended by me.